As times are changing, so are we. Since the last European elections, the rules of the game have changed. The European Parliament now has more power, both to set the political direction of Europe and over the day-to-day decisions which affect us all. A more powerful European Parliament means more influence for everyone, more ability to deal with our problems, more ability to change what needs changing, more assertiveness to conserve what we want to keep.

Human rights and the EU's budget for the next seven years took centre stage in Parliament this November plenary week in Strasbourg. On Wednesday president Martin Schulz presented Malala Yousafzaï with the 25th annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the presence of past Sakharov laureates. The 2014-2020 budget received the Parliament's backing after arduous negotiations with member states, while MEPs also demanded the right to decide for themselves where Parliament should sit.

From 9-11 May 2014, Parliament will open its doors to up to 5,000 young Europeans to come and participate in the European Youth Event. They will have to be aged between 16 and 30 and come from one of the EU member states or the candidate countries.

What is it?

The European Parliament will open its doors to thousands of young people from all over the EU and invite them to meet with European decision-makers and speakers with a wide range of professional experience to exchange ideas and perspectives on youth-related issues, develop new, innovative ways and solutions to crucial questions for the future and experience the rich cultural diversity within the European Union through the staging of various cultural performances.